Job opening : Economic Job opening

Would you like to help build a strong and attractive living environment in West Maas en Waal? Do economic issues energize you, and are you someone who knows how to bring people together? If so, we might just be looking for you. Does this sound like the right fit for you? Then be sure to read on! Team Ruimte is looking for an enthusiastic new colleague for the position of Economic Policy Advisor, working 28–32 hours per week.

What are you going to do?

As an economic policy advisor, you will be the primary point of contact for all matters related to the economic development of the municipality West Maas en Waal. You will work on a wide range of challenging issues at the intersection of policy, implementation, and collaboration. Your responsibilities will include: 

  • Oversee the development and implementation of economic policy. You will draft the implementation plan for the (leisure) economy vision and ensure the implementation of the actions, including the Regional Economic Ambition Document and the Regional Work Locations Program; 
  • Providing advice on spatial planning procedures related to economic matters; 
  • Representing the municipality in regional meetings, such as the EZ Regio Rivierenland Civil Service Consultation, the Fruit Pact Steering Committee Preliminary Civil Service Consultation, and the Rivierenland Broadband Network Implementation Organization Regional Consultation; 
  • Drafting and updating economic regulations; 
  • Coordinate with the Province, monitor developments in the field, and translate them into concrete local actions;
  • In addition, you serve as the Business Liaison Officer for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as recreational and agricultural entrepreneurs.  

You are an independent, proactive professional with a broad perspective on economic issues. 
You navigate local and regional networks with ease and are naturally comfortable being visible. You show initiative, come up with fresh ideas, and use your energetic and communicative style to connect people and get them moving. You can translate policy into practice and switch effortlessly between different levels: from the boardroom to the entrepreneur.

What do we expect from you?

  • A completed bachelor's degree in a relevant field (such as economics, public administration, urban planning, or business administration) or demonstrable knowledge and experience in the field;  
  • Experience working in or for a municipal or public organization; 
  • Strong communication skills;
  • A true networker who knows how to build and maintain relationships, both internally and externally; 
  • Demonstrable knowledge of and interest in economic policy, the regional economy, and/or business park development; 
  • The competencies of interpersonal skills, (political) administrative sensitivity, networking skills, relationship-orientedness, and results-orientedness.

What do we offer you? 

  • A salary of up to €5,624 (job grade 10, salary scale as of July 1, 2026) for a 36-hour workweek. The salary depends on your education and experience; 
  • A one-year employment contract. If your performance is satisfactory, we will convert this to a permanent contract; 
  • A monthly supplement of 17.05% of your gross salary: the Individual Choice Budget (IKB). This consists of vacation pay, a life-course savings contribution, and a year-end bonus. You can use this for things like extra pay, vacation hours, or a new bicycle. Do you have a student loan with DUO? If so, you can use your IKB to make an annual partial payment on it; 
  • A good pension plan with the ABP Pension Fund; 
  • You can work partly from home and will be provided with a phone and laptop;  
  • Commuting expenses and a work-from-home allowance; 
  • A wellness allowance of €500 gross per year (based on a 36-hour workweek). For example, for a gym membership, sportswear, or a visit to the sauna; 
  • Your daily serving of fruit; Ample, free parking for your car and bike; 
  • A friendly and informal work environment. Your colleagues will welcome you with open arms and make sure you feel at home right away; 
  • What to do during your break? Plenty! Take a walk along the beautiful dyke, go shopping in our charming town center, or grab a sandwich at the bakery around the corner—it’s all within walking distance.  

Your future team

Of course, it’s helpful to know where you’ll be working after the two rounds of interviews. You’ll be joining the Ruimte team. A young and versatile policy team consisting of 16 employees. As an employee, you’re never on your own; you’re part of the bigger picture. Together with your colleagues, you’ll work according to our core values: Together, Responsible, and Professional. You know your strengths and limitations and always ask yourself: where and how can I add value?

Let West Maas en Waal surprise you!

The beautiful region of West Maas en Waal surprise you: you can admire its impressive dikes, green spaces, and landscapes along the various walking and biking trails. The small villages also give you the feeling that you’ve stepped back in time—but with a modern twist.  

The municipality West Maas en Waal over 20,000 residents and is located (as the name suggests) between the Maas and Waal rivers. The combination of excellent accessibility (A15, A73, A50), numerous amenities, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it a municipality you’ll come to love.

Take a look and see for yourself how much fun it is to work with us!

Become an economic policy advisor for the municipality of West Maas en Waal! 

Please upload your cover letter and resume no later than Wednesday, July 1, 2026, via the application portal at www.werkeningelderland.nl. We look forward to reading your cover letter.
Who should I address my cover letter to? You may address it to Patrick Melenhorst, Team Manager of Spatial Planning. 

Would you like to learn more about the position or the organization first? Feel free to contact Patrick Melenhorst. You can also send him a text message. Patrick can be reached at 06 8205 1349 or by email at pmelenhorst@westmaasenwaal.nl. 

Do you have a question about the application process? Please contact Marjan Broecks, HR Specialist. You can also send her a text message. She can be reached at 06 1785 2364 or by email at mbroecks@westmaasenwaal.nl.  

Apply for the job opening for Economic job opening

Good to know  

  • The first interviews are scheduled for Monday, July 6, 2026;
  • A Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) is required for this position; 
  • job opening recruiting for this job opening both internally and externally. Internal candidates will be given priority. 

We understand that this is a sales pitch, but we will not respond to it.